‘Voltron’ tackles big topics, delivers big action and fun

   One of my favorite animated series is “Voltron: Legendary Defender.” Each season develops new and more complex conflicts and character dynamics that elevate what could easily be just a campy Saturday morning cartoon to a respectable, nuanced series great for kids and adults alike.
    Season 3 begins with the Paladins of Voltron trying to figure out their new dynamic without Shiro who disappeared at the end of last season. Also in his absence, who will pilot the Black Lion and therefore how will they form Voltron? As established in the lore of the series, the Paladins have to bond with their lions in order to pilot them. Keith is able to bond with Shiro’s Black Lion, Keith is then able to bond with the Red Lion, and Princess Allura is chosen by the Blue Lion. With Keith as the new team leader, the Paladins pursue their nemesis, Zarkon’s son Lotor, as he has now taken the reins of the Galra empire.
    Though only seven episodes, season 3 is chalk-full of greatness. Keith dealing with his new responsibilities and whether or not he wants to be a leader, Lance and Allura tackling their new duties and challenges of working with new and different lions, Shiro’s return and long quest to reunite with the other Paladins, and finally seeing what really happened all those years ago when Voltron was first formed and Zarkon betrayed King Alfor. There’s also some pretty heavy subject matter in this season, such as the moral implications of mind-controlled slavery and the consequences of interdimensional travel. Not really topics you’d expect in a kids’ show!

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